Workshops

The following workshops are currently available and can be taught in the Sacramento area. If you would like to sign up for a class or have an appropriate venue available, please contact the artist!

Individual and Small Group Private Instruction

Individual and small group private lessons are available. These lessons are tailored to the needs of the individual painting student, and will work on building the student's painting skills from his or her current ability level. Specific skills can be worked on as desired - please let the instructor know what skills you would like to work on when you schedule this lesson. Lessons will be scheduled by appointment.

$45 for the first hour, $35 each additional hour per student per day. Lessons are available as a single day workshop or on an ongoing basis.

Currently Scheduled Classes

Painting Realism in Oils

This monthly course will provide the basis for a realistic style using oils. Students will learn the basics of working in oils, including color mixing, using a limited palette, identifying color and value in oils, and other techniques. A reference will be provided by the instructor, and will typically be a photo or still life set up. Students are asked to bring their own materials; a materials list will be provided, but will typically consist of an easel, canvas, oil paint, brushes, and any other items needed for the class. Students may sign up for one class, or take this course on an ongoing basis. Instructor – Linda Merchant. 3 hours, $60.2012 dates for this class:
April 21st, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
May 12, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
June 16th, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
July 21, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
August 18, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery

Painting Realism in Soft Pastel

This monthly course will provide the basis for a realistic style using soft pastels. Students will learn the basics of working in soft pastel, including use of the soft pastel palette, identifying color and value, and other techniques. A reference will be provided by the instructor. Students are asked to bring their own materials; a materials list will be provided, but will typically consist of an easel, soft pastels, soft pastel paper and board, and any other items needed for the class. Please be advised that soft pastels tend to be very dusty, and people with breathing problems should bring a dust mask when working in this medium. Students may sign up for one class, or take this course on an ongoing basis. Instructor – Linda Merchant. 3 hours, $60.2012 dates for this class:
June 2nd, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
July 14, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery
August 4, 1-4 PM, High Hand Gallery

Introduction to the Drop Spindle

This class will introduce students to the use of the drop spindle, a device used prior to the advent of the spinning wheel to spin fiber into yarn. Students will learn how to make their own yarn using the drop spindle. Materials may be purchased prior to the class at the Tin Thimble. Instructor - Linda Merchant. 1 hour, $25.2012 dates for this class:
March 4th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
April 15th, 11 AM, Tin Thimble
May 20th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
June 24th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
September 16th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
October 28th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
November 18th, 1 PM, Tin Thimble
December 2nd, 1 PM, Tin Thimble

Unscheduled Classes (please contact the artist if you are interested in being notified when these classes are being held.)

Soft Pastel Workshop – This is a loose-format class for intermediate artists, in which students will bring their own soft pastel projects and materials to work on. The teacher will provide guidance on techniques and application as students work on their individual projects. Materials will not be provided for this format, however a suggested materials list will be available. Please be advised that soft pastels tend to be very dusty, and people with breathing problems should bring a dust mask when working in this medium.
This class can be offered on an ongoing basis.
Classroom requirements: Tables and chairs for all students, easels may also be used if students bring a hard surface on which to tape their work.

Glazing Techniques in Oil – This intermediate class will introduce students to glazing methods using oil paint. This class is broken into 4 sessions, which allow for drying between sessions. Sessions are 2 hours long.
Session 1- Initial sketch and umber layer.
Session 2 – Grisaille layer.
Session 3 – First color layer.
Session 4 – Finishing layer.
$125 for the entire sequence, students bring their own materials. A materials list will be provided.
Classroom requirements: Easels or tables and chairs for students.

This ongoing course will provide an introduction to the use of polymer clay. Techniques, which will vary from class to class, may include making millefiori and kaleidoscope clay canes, making beads, decorating glass with polymer clay designs, or other activities. It is preferred that students register for this course in advance; however drop-ins are accepted. Materials will be provided. Instructor – Linda Merchant. 1 hour, $35.

Fiber Club

This drop-in ongoing workshop provides spinners and weavers an opportunity to pick up new techniques, work on projects, and talk fiber! Bring projects that you are working on, techniques you wish to try out, and your wheel or loom. Beginners through advanced fiber artists are welcome. Bring your own materials; fiber and other supplies are available at the Tin Thimble. 1 hour, $15.

About the Instructor

Linda Merchant is an artist specializing in wildlife and contemporary realism. She has exhibited in national shows and has won several awards for her detailed depictions of animals and realistic style. In addition, she holds a Master of Science in Special Education, and has been a California credentialed teacher since 2003. A portfolio of her work is available online at http://www.lamgallery.com/